The anterior capsulotomy of extracapsular cataract extraction.

Cataracts are a major cause of blindness, and more than 75% of all cataract operations performed in the United States are associated with an intraocular lens (IOL) implant. Since approximately 63% of all IOL implants are of the posterior chamber type and associated with extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE), it is important for the ophthalmic surgeon to perfect this operation. We describe herein the important surgical anatomy of the zonular-lens capsular attachments and present the results of a poll of experts as to the important aspects of the anterior capsulotomy of the ECCE.